I just got the Canon EOS R and I am literally so excited to start taking photos but I am honestly so lost when it comes to the lenses. The camera came with this one lens that zooms in and out but when I take pictures of my sister the background isnt really blurry like those professional ones you see on instagram and I really want that look for her graduation pictures next month. I have no idea where to start and sorry if this is a dumb question but I am basically a total baby at this stuff and everything feels very overwhelming right now.
I was looking online and there are all these numbers like 50mm and 85mm and then the f/1.8 or f/2 stuff and I have no clue what any of that actually means for the actual photo. My logic was that maybe a bigger number is better? But then I saw a video saying 50mm is the best for beginners because it sees like a human eye does but then someone else said 85mm is way better for faces because it doesnt make people look weird or stretched out so I am just sitting here staring at my screen getting more confused by the second.
I really cant spend more than like 300 or maybe 400 dollars max because the camera itself was already a huge splurge for me and my bank account is crying a little bit lol. I also dont really understand if I need an adapter or what that even is? People keep talking about EF lenses vs RF lenses and I dont want to buy something that wont even click onto my camera or needs an extra part that costs another hundred bucks. I saw this RF 50mm f1.8 lens that looks pretty cheap and small which is nice but then I saw a used 85mm one and I dont know if buying used is a bad idea for someone who doesnt know how to check if it is broken or not. I just want my photos to look pretty and have that soft look in the back without breaking the bank or buying the wrong thing... so what should I actually be looking for?
Been thinking about your lens dilemma for a bit. If youre worried about faces looking stretched out, thats called perspective distortion and it happens when you get too close with a 50mm. For those professional graduation shots, you might want to consider an 85mm lens because it compresses the background more, making the blur look way creamier. The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is basically the gold standard for your camera, but it might push your $400 budget unless you find a good sale. Be careful with older EF lenses like the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM. Theyre cheap, but you absolutely must have the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R for it to click onto your camera. That adapter is another $100, which kinda sucks for your budget. Stick to RF glass to keep things simple... its just safer.
Just found this thread! Since you have a strict budget and want to avoid adapters, you should totally look at the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. I love this lens because it is specifically made for your camera and the results are amazing!!
- It is a native RF lens so no adapter needed.
- 85mm is fantastic for portraits because it doesnt distort faces.
- The f/2 aperture creates that beautiful blurry background you see on Instagram. Check the Canon refurbished store online. It often drops to $399 which fits your budget perfectly. Refurbished is basically way safer than buying used from a random person because you get a full year of warranty. Honestly, youll get those graduation shots and everyone will be impressed with how professional they look!
Like someone mentioned, I was also digging through these same specs just a few hours ago. Honestly, I am just as stuck. I picked up the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM a while back hoping for those crisp portraits, but unfortunately, the sharpness at f/1.8 left me pretty disappointed. The chromatic aberration is rough, and the autofocus hunts more than I expected in lower light.
- The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is super cheap but the build quality feels like a toy and the distortion is really noticeable in close-ups.
- I checked out the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM and while the optical performance is better, the focus speed is frustratingly slow for moving subjects. Everything in this price range feels like a trade-off. I am currently debating if I should just save up for an L-series lens instead because these entry-level options are just not giving me the results I wanted. It is honestly exhausting to keep buying and selling gear just to find something that works.
Honestly, just go grab the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM right now!! I was in the same boat last year and used it for my besties birthday shoot. It is super tiny and way cheaper than other lenses. Since its an RF lens, it clicks right onto your EOS R with no adapter needed! That f1.8 number is what gives you that amazing blurry background. Youll love it!
Man I wish I found this thread sooner. Would have saved me so much hassle.
Can confirm this works. Did the same thing on mine and its been solid ever since.
